Why preventive care is important

Remember the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? This can be especially true when it comes to preventive health care. Maintaining or improving your health is important - and a focus on regular preventive care, along with following the advice of your doctor, can help you stay healthy.

Felbamate

Oct 24, 2004 Viewed: 336

Felbamate oral suspension

What is felbamate oral suspension?
FELBAMATE (Felbatol™) can help with seizure (convulsion) control in certain types of epilepsy. Felbamate helps to control partial seizures in adults that have been unresponsive to other agents. Felbamate helps to maintain seizure control in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, who have not responded to other therapy. Generic felbamate oral suspension is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take felbamate?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

blood disorders or disease

having intramuscular injections

liver disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to felbamate, carbamate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take felbamate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. If felbamate upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with felbamate?

alcohol

carbamazepine

phenobarbital

phenytoin

valproic acid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking felbamate?
Children are especially sensitive to the effects of felbamate.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

blood in urine

confusion

fever, chills, sore throat

mood changes, nervousness, hostility

mouth ulcers

severe headache

severe stomach pain

shortness of breath, or wheezing

skin rash and itching

unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on skin

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight loss

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea or constipation

difficulty sleeping

dizziness or drowsiness

changes in taste

changes in vision

colds, runny nose, and upper respiratory infections

headache

loss of appetite

nausea/vomiting

tremor

What should I watch for while taking felbamate?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. Do not stop taking felbamate suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medications, and prescriber or health care professional.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how felbamate affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Felbamate can make your skin more sensitive to the sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking felbamate.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.

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